Thứ Bảy, 26 tháng 1, 2013

Thai Tourism Arrivals Cross 22 Million Mark in 2012

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Thailand has achieved record-breaking visitor arrivals, crossing the 22 million mark for the first time in 2012. Figures tabulated by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports for January – December 2012 show total arrivals by nationality of 22,303,065, up 15.98 percent over 2011. Commenting on the performance, TAT Governor Suraphon Svetasreni said that the primary contributor to this result was the prevalence of global, regional and local peace and stability. “Last year, the world was generally at peace and there were no major geopolitical, economic, environmental or natural disasters and no health pandemics. Travel & tourism can only flourish worldwide if the underlying conditions that support it remain free of disturbance and disruption. That is one of the most important lessons for the entire industry to learn worldwide,” he said.

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The highlight of the results was the fact that six countries, five of which are within the Asia-Pacific region, are now producing more than one million annual visitor arrivals. These are Malaysia, China, Japan, Korea, India and Russia.

The following performance analysis by market is based on the figures tabulated so far:

OVERVIEW: Visitors from East Asia totalled 12,502,194 (+20.84%), Europe 5,617,817 (+10.12%), the Americas 1,080,148 (+13.40%), South Asia 1,289,641 (+11.36%), Oceania 1,046,753 (+12.13%), Middle East 604,659 (+0.58%) and Africa 161,853 (+17.36%).

EAST ASIA: East Asian visitor arrivals to Thailand comprise the biggest market share of all visitors. Of the 22.30 million arrivals in 2012, a total of 12.50 million (+20.84%) were from East Asia regions.

By this year, two source-markets, China (2.7 million) and Malaysia (2.5 million) are now generating more than two million annual arrivals each. And two source-markets, Japan (1.3 million) and Korea (1.1 million) are generating more than one million arrivals each.  The ASEAN countries in total are generating over six million arrivals, with spectacular growth by Cambodia (+59.74%), Vietnam (+24.36%), Indonesia (+21.02%), Myanmar (+17.40%) and Laos (+6.63%).

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EUROPE: The European visitors showed a good growth rate of 10.12% to 5.61 million. Russia is the largest source market from Europe with arrivals of 1,317,387, up 24.97%. United Kingdom is the second highest source market with a total of 870,164, up 2.98%, followed by Germany 681,566, up 10.08%.

THE AMERICAS: Arrivals from the Americas showed a good growth of 13.40% to 1,080,148 the main market, US, increased by 12.57% to 767,420. Arrivals from both Canada and Brazil showed positive growth of 12.18% and 22.18%.

SOUTH ASIA: Arrivals from South Asia grew by a strong 11.36% to 1,289,641. India has become a top of the list from South Asian market with arrivals up by 11.03% to 1,015,865, making it the region’s fastest growing market, followed by Sri Lanka 73,338, (+36.73%).

OCEANIA: Arrivals from Oceania grew by 12.13% to 1,046,753 visitors. Australian visitors were up 12.14% to 930,599 and New Zealand +12.28% to 113,509.

MIDDLE EAST: Arrivals from Middle East showed a slight growth of 0.58% to 604,659 with all markets up. Israel is the largest source market with arrivals of 129,184 (+3.27%) followed by UAE 113,174 (+4.20%) and Kuwait 64,536 (+15.68%).

AFRICA: Arrivals from Africa were up by 17.36% to 161,853. South Africa is a major market and has showed significant growth of 10.22% to 75,496.

In 2013, the TAT is confident that if the global, regional and local situation remains stable, this year will see Thailand receive 24.5 million arrivals, generating a projected tourism income of 1,149 billion baht.

Thứ Sáu, 25 tháng 1, 2013

Amazing I-San Fair 2013 at QSNCC this Weekend

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Long overlooked by the international tourism industry, Thailand’s northeastern region, called “Isaan” by Thais, is being given a major boost with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) collaborating with travel trade partners to promote the destination by organising Amazing I-San Fair 2013. The fair will be held during 24th-27th January 2013, at Plenary Hall, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. There are more than 60 operators participating in the fair including travel agents, airlines, accommodations, and producers of local handicrafts. The travel fair is aimed at increasing tourist traffic from Bangkok and other provinces to Isaan.

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For decades, Isaan was perceived as a remote, underdeveloped area that held little tourism appeal. Things began to change as the region’s transportation network expanded in the 1980’s and a number of historical sites and nature reserves opened up to the public. In recent years, the Northeast has seen an influx of domestic and foreign travelers going for its unspoiled nature and chic resorts. It is also the main gateway to the many wonders of the neighboring countries of Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. TAT Governor Mr. Suraphon Svetasreni said “The Isaan culture has its own uniqueness. Visiting Isaan is another way to gain memorable experiences with enjoyment and recreation.”

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The fair is divided into 6 Amazing Zones; 1) Isaan Arts Crafts and Festivals 2) Isaan Buddhist Heritage 3) Isaan Chic and Chill 4) Charm of Isaan way of life 5) Heritage of Isaan Weaving and 6) Isaan local dishes. Live cultural performances, traditional showcases and demonstration of silk weaving have been brought from various Isaan communities to entertain visitors. In 2011, there were more than 26 million visitors to the Northeast (+15.86% over 2010), more than 95 percent of whom were Thai tourists. In 2013, TAT expects the number of domestic trips will increase to 115.36 million trips and generate 537,800 million Baht.

Thứ Bảy, 19 tháng 1, 2013

Tickets now on sale for “The Phantom of the Opera”

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The internationally and critically acclaimed masterpiece, “The Phantom of the Opera” will be staged in Bangkok at Muangthai Rachadalai Theatre. Tickets are now on sale and given the popularity of this timeless, romantic and much loved musical, tickets will be highly sought after.

“It is a dream come true for Thailand to experience “The Phantom of the Opera” right here in Bangkok,” said said Mr. Brian L. Marcar, Managing Director of BEC-Tero Entertainment. “This world-renowned musical with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s unforgettable score, the spectacular sets and dazzling special effects will bring the legendary love story into life.” As the longest running musical on Broadway, “The Phantom of the Opera” recently celebrated it’s 25 year anniversary and has won more than 50 major theatre awards, including seven Tony Awards.

“The Phantom of the Opera here in Thailand will be performed by talented international casts. Therefore we are really excited to be able to present this entertainment masterpiece to musical lovers in Thailand. Everyone should see this amazing musical at least once in their lifetime,” said Mr. Marcar.

“The Phantom of the Opera” tells the story of a disfigured musical genius known only as ‘The Phantom’ who haunts the depths of the Paris Opera House. Mesmerised by the talents and beauty of a young soprano – Christine, the Phantom lures her as his protégé and falls fiercely in love with her. Unaware of Christine’s love for Raoul, The Phantom’s obsession sets the scene for a dramatic turn of events where jealously, madness and passions collide.

Thứ Năm, 17 tháng 1, 2013

Free Book of Festivals and Events in Thailand 2013

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The Tourism Authority of Thailand has released its calendar of festivals and events for 2013. A total of 28 events are listed in the calendar, ranging from annual marathons to music fests and martial arts. The calendar will be very useful for travel agents and tour operators seeking unique experiences and packaging opportunities for their clients this year. Individual travellers looking for new and interesting things to do on holiday in Thailand will also find it helpful.

Thứ Bảy, 12 tháng 1, 2013

The Taste of Sukhumvit this Weekend

Twenty five great restaurants along Sukhumwit road are coming together this weekend for The Taste of Sukhumvit. Instead of hunting out the best food, you can enjoy the highlights in one place. The event is taking place at the convention hall in the Ambassador Hotel in Bangkok on 12-13 January 2013 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is 100 Baht and then individual plates cost 50-100 Baht. There will also be a selection of beers and wines. Ambassador Hotel is on Sukhumwit Soi 11.

Thứ Sáu, 11 tháng 1, 2013

Activities for Children’s Day 2013

On the second Saturday during January every year, Thai people celebrate Thai youth by putting on National Children’s Day. This year it is on 12th January 2013. Listed below are some of the events taking place. I will update with more on Twitter @RichardBarrow.

  • Government House has activities on the lawn for children. They can even queue up to sit in the prime minister’s chair. Google will also have their Streetview Cars on show
  • Thai Parliament is open for kids to see where MPs work.
  • Bank of Thailand will open Bang Khunphrom Palace’s doors to children on the day, from 9am to 2pm. Aside from games, puppet show and video presentations to boost financial literacy among the youth, children can also sit in Bank of Thailand governor’s chair.
  • The area in front of the City Hall has stands set up for activities for children. Kids can also sit on the Bangkok Governor’s chair
  • Thai Army will have activities at Royal Thai Army HQ on Ratchdamnoen Avenue. This will include tanks and helicopters
  • Royal Thai Navy will organize activities for children at Naval Academy, Naval Museum and Chulalongkorn Fort in Samut Prakan
  • Royal Air Force organizing activities for Children’s Day at the 603 Squardron Air Base & Air Force Museum on Phahonyothin Rd, 7am-3:30pm
  • “The Adventure of Magic Island”, various amusement rides at Parc Paragon until Sunday. On Children’s Day there will be activities from 11am-6pm
  • Lego World of Imagination at The Emporium
  • Thailand Toy Expo 2013 at CentralWorld until Sunday
  • On Children’s Day, there is a special price of 70B on Asiatique’s Big Wheel for kids shorter than 120cms. Normal price is 150B
  • Thailand Game Show 2013 at BITEC Bang Na
  • “Wonderful Children’s Day” at Paradise Park features a giant amusement park until Sunday. Special shows on Saturday for kids.
  • TV CH.3 are organizing Children’s Day activities on Saturday, 8am-1pm in front of the Malinon Building. Meet & greet with many celebrities.
  • Toy World 2013 featuring cartoon characters & superheroes plus fun games at Fashion Island, Ram Intra until Monday
  • Kids Day 2013 at NSM Science Square, 4th and 5th floor of Chamchuri Square has activities organised by the Ministry of Science
  • Kid D Kid’s Day fair at MegaBangna features adventure workshops and special activities for kids
  • Thai Children’s Way of Life in the Four Regions at Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall on Ratchdamnoern Road.
  • Dek Art at Bangkok Art and Culture Center from 10:30 am to 6:30pm

Thứ Ba, 8 tháng 1, 2013

Thailand Game Show 2013 at BITEC

Thailand Game Show 2013 PLUS will be held on 11-13 January 2013 at BITEC Bang Na. It is being organised by GiDEA and Show No Limit Co., Ltd. in cooperation with Nation Broadcasting Corporation. Its slogan for this year is “The Best Children’s Day Ever”. At the event will be three popular cartoon channels such as Gang Cartoon, Cartoon Club and Kid Zone, presenting cartoons from China and Korea. In addition, publishers from the cartoon book industry will participate such as Bongkot and Nation. For the kids there will be hundreds of computer games, competitions and special treats for die-hard fans of manga and anime.